CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) recently conducted an interactive session with the Builders Welfare Association in Zirakpur, aimed at enhancing awareness about environmental compliance and the importance of adhering to Environmental Clearance (EC) conditions during construction.
The session, led by the PPCB’s Mohali regional office, was overseen by superintending environmental engineer Gursharan Dass Garg and executive engineer Kanwaldeep Kaur. They emphasized the need to simplify regulations and improve compliance in housing and construction projects.
Garg highlighted the importance of strict compliance with EC conditions throughout both construction and operational phases. Builders were encouraged to visibly display environmental guidelines at their sites for effective enforcement.
Officials also warned about potential legal ramifications for violations and advised builders to thoroughly review and fill out application forms independently, rather than relying on intermediaries. This approach is expected to streamline the approval process and minimize discrepancies.
With the monsoon season approaching, the PPCB urged builders to maintain clean rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring that only surface runoff is diverted into recharge structures to avert groundwater contamination.
The board also emphasized the proper functioning of sewage treatment plants (STPs), the reuse of treated water for gardening and dual plumbing, and stringent restrictions on unauthorized effluent discharge. Builders were encouraged to initiate plantation drives and adopt eco-friendly practices to minimize solid waste generation.
Harish Gupta, president of the Builders’ Association, assured support and highlighted the necessity for additional STPs in Zirakpur to keep pace with rapid urban growth.
PPCB chairperson Reena Gupta stated that sustained collaboration between regulators and stakeholders is essential for fostering environmentally responsible urban development.
